Flying Whales
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Sébastien Bougon |
| Headquarters | Suresnes , France |
Key people | Sébastien Bougon |
| Products | Airships for heavy cargo transport (LCA60T) |
Flying Whales is a French start-up in the aerospace sector, developing an airship intended as an eco-friendly alternative for transporting heavy cargo such as timber and wind turbine blades, eliminating the need for traditional ground infrastructure.
History
The company was established in 2012 by Sébastien Bougon, initially concentrating on timber harvesting through collaboration with the Office National des Forêts (ONF), France's national forest management authority.
By May 2024, despite receiving €90 million in funding from both the French state and the regional government of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the firm had not yet produced a functioning airship. The prototype, originally scheduled for completion in 2020, has been postponed to 2028.
After the Canadian federal government prevented Quebec’s participation due to partial ownership by Chinese interests, Flying Whales repurchased the 25% share held by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) in September 2021.
In July 2022, Flying Whales raised €122 million to finalize development of the LCA60T model. Key investors include Bpifrance representing the French government under the France 2030 initiative, Monaco’s Société Nationale de Financement, ALIAD (Air Liquide’s venture capital fund), Groupe ADP, and Société Générale Assurances.
LCA60T
The LCA60T is engineered to operate in areas lacking road access and is projected to be the largest aircraft currently in operation, with dimensions of 200 meters in length and 50 meters in height. In 2025, Flying Whales formed a partnership with Evolito Ltd to provide axial flux motors aimed at improving the aircraft's propulsion system.